12/23/2024
“Evolution of Nature 26” l Mixed media on linen | 72 x 72 in (182.9 x 182.9 cm) l Susan Swartz.
Susan exhibited at this year’s Venice Biennale with Laddie John Dill, who’s recognized as one of the most important artist of the Light and Space Movement. She also opened a historic solo exhibition with us in New York City, “Renewal” curated by world renowned art critic and historian Donald Kuspit. A groundbreaking exhibition which recognized Susan, as the best living nature artist, a declaration by Kuspit justified by her intense following and by the fact that for the first time since our inception we deemed it necessary to extend the exhibition for an additional 3 weeks.
Although Kuspit referred to Susan as a nature artist, I in fact never saw her work as such, but simply because unlike Kuspit who brings an academic and astute knowledge of art to his eye unmatched by anyone alive today; my passion for art has always been personal; from the perspective of one who’s life could not exist, had it not been for the refuge that is art. Art has the power to change us, if only we have the courage to truly fall in. When I reflect on my own life, I can’t think of one defining moment where art didn’t play a meaningful role. Most profound about Susan’s work can’t be seen in images it must be experienced, we celebrated Susan this year, for all the things about her work that can only be experienced. I encourage everyone to visit the gallery to experience her work and reaffirm the fact that much of life can’t fully be described or captured, but it’s as real as the object before you; indeed, they oftentimes are the most meaning moments that come to define our lives; and it’s there we find everything that this life can’t give us and everything we live for; love, compassion, empathy, God and yes, art. Ensure that the art you live with serves to remind you of all the mysteries in life, and the greatest mystery of them all, the mystery of who you truly are.
Happy Holidays!
Georges Bergès
GB Gallery, art for life’s journey.